AHOSKIE – A local attorney here has voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law after admitting he had misappropriated entrusted funds.

Larry S. Overton, who operated his law practice at North Railroad Street in downtown Ahoskie, has been disbarred by the North Carolina State Bar.

The amount of the entrusted funds Overton admitted to misappropriating was not made public. That money was part of Overton’s general trust account.

According to Jennifer A. Porter, Deputy Counsel to the North Carolina State Bar, Overton was the subject of a random audit performed by the Bar earlier this year.

“He admitted prior to the audit being performed that he had misappropriated entrusted funds,” Porter said.

Overton signed an affidavit on April 19, stating he was “aware that there is presently pending an investigation regarding allegations that I misappropriated entrusted funds. I acknowledge that the material facts upon which the investigation is predicated are true.”

Three days later (April 22), Overton was disbarred by the State Bar Council during their quarterly meeting. This newspaper was notified of the disbarment by a letter from the State Bar dated May 20.

Porter said that the State Bar has frozen the funds currently in Overton’s general trust account.

Additionally, Porter said that Overton is subject to criminal prosecution, pending a decision by the local District Attorney.

In addition to his private law practice, Overton was under contract as legal counsel to the Town of Ahoskie. Town officials are currently seeking a new attorney.

According to the rules of the North Carolina State Bar, Overton may apply for reinstatement after five years, pending he meets certain criteria.